September 28 – October 5, 2025
Pulaski Days has been a cornerstone of Grand Rapids tradition for over 50 years. What started in 1973 as a way to support local social clubs has grown into a week-long celebration of Polish culture, community, and heritage. Named for Revolutionary War hero General Casimir Pulaski, the festival is known for live music, dancing, food, parades, and polka masses that bring together generations of families and friends.
The History Behind Pulaski Days
General Pulaski, known as the “Father of the U.S. Cavalry,” gave his life fighting for liberty in the American Revolution. In Grand Rapids, Polish immigrants who settled here in the late 1800s helped shape the West Side, establishing halls that became centers for community, culture, and service. Pulaski Days honors that history while continuing the legacy of fellowship, food, and support that has defined these halls for decades.
Events to Watch
Pulaski Day Parade
Date: Saturday, October 4
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: East Side, Michigan and College to Michigan and Diamond
The parade is one of the festival’s biggest highlights, featuring floats, marching bands, clowns, and community organizations all celebrating Polish pride.
Polka Mass
Date: Sunday, October 5
Time: 11:30 AM
Location: St. Anthony of Padua, 2510 Richmond St NW
This Catholic service blends tradition with music as polka fills the church in a joyful celebration of faith and culture.
Cash Raffle
Date: Sunday, October 5
Location: Little Hall, 823 Michigan St NE
With $3,500 in prizes, including a $1,500 grand prize, raffle tickets are just $1 and available at participating halls.
Where to Celebrate
Thirteen halls across Grand Rapids open their doors throughout the week, each offering its own mix of music, dancing, and food. Clubs include:
Kosciuszko Hall
St. George’s
Vytautas
Knights of Columbus
Sons and Daughters
6th Street Hall
5th Street Hall
Polish Falcons
Diamond Hall
Eastern Hall
Little Hall
American Legion Post 459
St. Ladislaus
From pierogi and golabki to live bands and DJ sets, each stop has something unique. Longtime attendees know it’s a challenge to visit every hall in one weekend, but that’s part of the fun.
Why Pulaski Days Matters
In a recent conversation with Sean at Sixth Street Hall, he explained that the halls are more than just gathering places they’ve been spaces for resilience, support, and community service for over a century. From fundraising during hard times to sending supplies during wars, these halls have always stood for more than celebrations. Pulaski Days continues that mission by bringing people together through food, music, and culture.
Plan Your Visit
With events running all week, there’s something for everyone from families enjoying the parade to late-night hall crawlers sampling food and live music. For full schedules, visit pulaskidays.org or check each hall’s website.
@smallegan Sean at Sixth Street Hall reminds us that Pulaski Days is not just about beer. It is about culture, heritage, and community. For more than 50 years, Polish halls across Grand Rapids have been celebrating traditions that go back generations. From kielbasa and pierogi to polka music and parades, each hall brings its own recipes and stories, passed down through families since the late 1800s. With 13 halls participating, it is nearly impossible to hit them all in one weekend, but that is part of the challenge. Mark your calendar: Pulaski Days has been a Grand Rapids tradition for 53 years, and this year is no different. Who is making the rounds through the halls? #GrandRapidsMI #PulaskiDays #SixthStreetHall #PolishHeritage #PureMichigan ♬ Bavarian Beer Barrel Polka - Aleksei Chebeliuk